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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLES Psychology personal statements
Discover personal statement examples written by students accepted onto psychology and related courses. Read through the examples to help shape your own personal statement.
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Psychology Personal Statements
Submitted by anonymous
Psychology and Philosophy Personal Statement
For centuries humanity has pondered the definitions of truth and fals...
Psychology Personal Statement
While growing up, an individual experiences countless differing field...
My first experience in the field of psychology was in year 9, I was a...
My desire for wanting to pursue psychology in higher education not on...
Psychology influences our everyday decisions and moulds us into who w...
Criminology and Psychology Personal Statement
Little interests me more than trying to unwind the endless enigma of ...
“What was life without connection?” Oliver Sacks is highlighting that...
A few years ago, I watched as one of my best friend battled with anor...
“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think” (Margaret M...
Submitted by Gianna
Freud’s Psychosexual Stages and the correlation between childhood act...
Submitted by Karolina
Paul Valery stated' The purpose of psychology is to give us a complet...
Submitted by Bethany
BSc Psychology Personal Statement
My decision to study psychology was not a difficult one. It is someth...
Submitted by Maisie Glover
Psychology with Criminology Personal Statement
Psychologist Phillip Zimbardo is quoted to have said “I have been pri...
Submitted by Antoinette
Every few minutes since the age of 9 I have put on hand cream. It was...
Submitted by Suri
Psychology with Business Personal Statement
Psychology's wide applications to everyday life, such as how psycholo...
Submitted by Cindy
Psychology with Foundation Year Personal Statement
“It is not primarily our physical selves that limit us but rather our...
Submitted by Caroline
Psychology and Neuroscience Personal Statement
Purpose for learning is a key difference between animal and human bra...
Submitted by Chloe
The dynamics of psychology affect our everyday lives and behaviour wh...
Submitted by Jenny
Psychology has drawn me in since I began studying it at GCSE. For me,...
Submitted by Lauren
The mind has a daily impact on our lives; influencing every decision,...
Submitted by Keren
Psychology with Forensic Psychology Personal Statement
Psychology has been part of my life indirectly for many years, from t...
Submitted by Sasha
During the holidays of 2016, I took part in some scientific based wor...
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I have always desired to understand feelings, behaviour and the human...
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Personal Statement for Graduate School Examples: Psychology
Why Strong Personal Statements are so Important for Graduate School
In your psychology graduate degree application, the personal statement is crucial. It showcases your academic achievements, personal journey, career goals, and why you’re a great fit for the program. This is your chance to move beyond mere statistics—GPA, test scores, work experience—and tell your unique story. Crafting a compelling personal statement requires insight, precision, and guidance. However, finding quality personal statement for graduate school examples can be challenging. Magoosh is committed to supporting graduate applications with detailed analyses, specific feedback, and comprehensive support throughout the admissions process.
Spotlight on Successful Psychology Personal Statements
We’re excited to showcase two standout personal statement for graduate school examples covering two different psychology tracks. The first, used to apply to Columbia University, explores the therapeutic power of storytelling in the aftermath of trauma and the writer’s dedication to studying the pathways from traumatic experiences to psychopathology. This essay seamlessly weaves together the applicant’s academic pursuits and professional experiences, underlining a deep-seated commitment to understanding and fostering resilience and growth post-trauma.
Second, written for UC Berkeley, takes us on a captivating journey—from volunteering in Haiti to navigating the urban complexity of New York, and finally, to a meaningful role in tutoring across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. This narrative eloquently captures the author’s evolving insight into the significant role counseling plays in psychological well-being and the drive to effect change within the psychology field.
Examples with Expert Annotated Feedback
Our feedback on each personal statement highlights strengths, suggests improvements, and offers strategic advice to boost the essay’s impact and emotional appeal. This feedback reflects our thorough grasp of the admissions process and our dedication to helping candidates refine their narratives.
Now explore our personal statements and expert commentary for inspiration on your application narratives. Whether starting your essay or finalizing it, our resources, expertise, and support guide you through the admissions journey.
Finally, our aim is to help you create a personal statement that surpasses admissions expectations, compellingly showcasing your unique story. Explore our blog for further tips, inspirational success stories, and expert advice , and move forward in your graduate school journey with confidence. Our platform is your ally in turning your graduate school aspirations into achievements.
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How to Create your Personal Statement for Psychology
Sponsored school(s).
Odds are, if you are at the stage of writing a personal statement, then you are more than likely preparing applications for graduate schools in psychology. Below find out what it is, why you need one, and get some pointers on crafting a personal statement that will put your best foot forward with the admissions committees.
What is a Personal Statement?
Commonly referred to as a “statement of purpose”, and by some as an “application essay”, a personal statement is your opportunity to introduce and sell yourself to a desired graduate program or college . In most cases, the personal statement can serve as the defining factor that allows students to stand out in a pool of applicants with equally high GPAs and test scores. Plus, a stellar statement of purpose could also help the applications of students who have unfavorable scores and grades.
Before You Begin…
Consider the type of personal statement required of you:.
Personal statements can range from a few paragraphs to several one-page essays that address different topics. They will vary widely between programs and schools, which means that you might craft quite a few of these application essays if you seek admission into various programs.
The objective of these statements all share a common thread: for the graduate committee to get a clear understanding of your career and academic aspirations as well as a sample of your writing abilities (a skill of utmost importance for comprehensive graduate study).
If Topics Are Chosen By You
The specific expectations of a statement of purpose might vary. Some schools might leave the direction and objective of the essay up to the applicant. In cases, you have the freedom to choose what you write about although, as a rule of thumb, essays should take on a professional/ academic focus rather than be personal or autobiographical. Don’t confuse personal statement with a long essay about your life growing up.
Instead, demonstrate your best attributes by outlining your fit, interests, previous experiences, servant leadership, research and courses you have taken that affirmed your dedication to the field of study. If you were not given specific questions, then be sure to touch bases with all of these that are relevant to your background in a logical and consistent manner.
If Topics Are Chosen By the Program
Other schools may provide you with a list of specific questions to answer pertaining to your career objectives and how obtaining an education with the particular program may advance you towards your goals.
Examples of specific topics outlined by graduate schools in psychology include:
Explain any previous work experience or teaching experiences you have in the field of psychology and why those experiences make you a strong candidate for our program.
Explain your long-term career goals.
Why do you think this program is a good fit for you?
How do you think this program can help you further your career objectives?
How has your previous education prepared you to take on study at the graduate or professional level?
What experience do you have conducting research? Rate your interest in conducting research.
What practitioners, researchers, or authors in the field of psychology have influenced your interest in this area of study?
Reflect on these questions or topic areas for a while before starting the writing process. Review your resume for direction about skills, experiences, or even lack of experience that you’ll want to identify and elaborate on in your paper. Write a list of attributes that you think describe you and consider how they are relevant to your interest in pursuing higher education.
During and After Writing…
Express your motivation.
When developing a statement of purpose for graduate schools in psychology, you will want to write at length about your particular interests, motivation, and passion for the field of study. Consider what experiences or traits you have that make you a better candidate than the hundreds of other applicants vying to gain admission.
Back up your expression of motivation with hard facts. The admissions committee wants a well-rounded candidate with a number of professional experiences that have helped clarify their ability to handle graduate study. Simply going on and on about how bad you want to be in the program with no relevant experiences that support that claim may not win you any favor.
Be Honest and Clear
When preparing a document that is virtually serving as a personal advertisement, you will write at length about the skills you possess that strengthen your application: academic curiosity, flexibility, maturity, persistence, and professionalism among others. When elaborating on your strengths, be sure to do so with respect to their relevance and importance. Do not go on about a characteristic that could be considered minor or irrelevant.
Also, be mindful of stating your goals and interests clearly and honestly. If you are not interested in a particular area, then leave out that information. Do not express an interest or ability that you do not have. It’s significant to discuss your weaknesses as well. If you have low test scores or a less-than-spectacular GPA, point that out in advance. Explain, if appropriate, why these aspects of your application are weak and follow up with a plan to rectify those aspects if you are accepted into graduate school.
Summary Points to Remember
- At this point, you can’t change your college or graduate school entrance test scores or your grade point average. You can, however, make a significant impact during the applications process by developing a well-written statement of purpose.
- Avoid writing at length about your personal history. Stick to the qualities and experiences that are relevant to your growth and abilities in the field of psychology.
- Answer all questions from the application and be sure to meet the page or word count requirements.
- Be sure to clearly and honestly relate your experiences and interests, also taking time to point out both strengths and weaknesses. Share how you plan to overcome those weaknesses or use them to your advantage.
- Ask someone else to look over your statement of purpose–an advisor or professor in your department–who can give you straightforward feedback on its content.
- Customize each personal statement to the program or school you are applying. Elaborate on how that particular program can assist you in reaching your goals.
- During revisions, pay attention to the strength and dynamism of your opening paragraph. Your goal is to hook the readers and give them the desire to keep reading.
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Preparing your personal statement for graduate school applications. Psychology Student Network. https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2016/09/graduate-school-applications. By Thomas P. Hogan, PhD. Nearly all doctoral programs and many master’s degree programs in psychology require submission of a personal statement as part of the application ...
Browse our range of Psychology personal statement examples. Gain inspiration & make sure you're on the right track when writing your own personal statement.
In your psychology graduate degree application, the personal statement is crucial. It showcases your academic achievements, personal journey, career goals, and why you’re a great fit for the program.
Commonly referred to as a “statement of purpose”, and by some as an “application essay”, a personal statement is your opportunity to introduce and sell yourself to a desired graduate program or college.
Five things to include in your psychology personal statement. The University of Bristol highlights five elements of a strong, academically focused psychology statement: Ensure it is well structured and well written. Give details of any specific interests or ambitions you have that relate to the content of the course.
Guides. Psychology Masters Personal Statement Sample. Written by Ben Taylor. This is an example personal statement for a Masters degree application in Psychology. See our guide for advice on writing your own postgraduate personal statement.
When applying to graduate schools, you will be expected to write a statement of purpose, commonly called a personal statement, or personal essay. This is a very important part of the application process, and it is your one opportunity to showcase your best qualities and achievements.
Writing your psychology personal statement can feel like a daunting task – it’s a popular subject with plenty of applicants, so how can you stand out from the crowd? We’ve spoken to psychology admissions experts at four UK universities to get the lowdown on exactly what they want to see in your personal statement.